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Geneva vs Brussels

Jul 16, 2015 @ 15:17

Do many Glocals out there have experience of living in Brussels?

All I've heard about life in Brussels (compared to Geneva) is the following:

it's livelier than Geneva in terms of bars and restaurants;
you can get a much bigger apartment for a lot less than you would pay in Geneva;
taxes/social security contributions are much higher;
it has many NGOs, and attracts lots of left-wing idealists who want to change the world,
it's slightly more 'stable' than Geneva socially, and many people settle there long-term.

If you have lived in Brussels, I'd be interested to hear whether you agree with these things that I've been told.

Would you recommend life in Brussels compared to Geneva? Do you know how the dating scene compares? Is there a more 'balanced' male: female ratio? What was your experience of Brussels socially? What are people there like (in general)?

Any useful, constructive advice based on your experience of Brussels would be much appreciated

Armorel

The text you are quoting:

Do many Glocals out there have experience of living in Brussels?

All I've heard about life in Brussels (compared to Geneva) is the following:

If you have lived in Brussels, I'd be interested to hear whether you agree with these things that I've been told.

Any useful, constructive advice based on your experience of Brussels would be much appreciated

Armorel

ArmorelJul 16, 2015 @ 15:17

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Re: Geneva vs Brussels

Post 1

Jul 16, 2015 @ 15:32

Do many Glocals out there have experience of living in Brussels?

All I've heard about life in Brussels (compared to Geneva) is the following:

it's livelier than Geneva in terms of bars and restaurants; you can get a much bigger apartment for a lot less than you would pay in Geneva; taxes/social security contributions are much higher; it has many NGOs, and attracts lots of left-wing idealists who want to change the world, it's slightly more 'stable' than Geneva socially, and many people settle there long-term.

If you have lived in Brussels, I'd be interested to hear whether you agree with these things that I've been told.

Any useful, constructive advice based on your experience of Brussels would be much appreciated

Armorel

Jul 16, 15 15:17

Well, not Bruxelles but 15 years in Antwerpen/Anvers

1. definitely

2. definitely

3. unfortunately definitely

4. a number yes, but wouldn't say more than normal

5. probably

Bruxelles is less "money orientated" than Geneva IMHO. Social life in Belgium is lively.

Loved living in Antwerpen, 48 km from Bxls. Much easier to find a spactious apartment. But horses for courses and some might differ. Good luck

The text you are quoting:

Well, not Bruxelles but 15 years in Antwerpen/Anvers

1. definitely

2. definitely

3. unfortunately definitely

4. a number yes, but wouldn't say more than normal

5. probably

Bruxelles is less "money orientated" than Geneva IMHO. Social life in Belgium is lively.

Loved living in Antwerpen, 48 km from Bxls. Much easier to find a spactious apartment. But horses for courses and some might differ. Good luck

sheila c, Jul 16, 2015 @ 15:32

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Re: Geneva vs Brussels

Post 2

Jul 16, 2015 @ 16:11

i lived and worked in brussels for a little over a year.

Positive points:

store opening hours are longer, more product choice, many many varietes of restaurants, cheaper prices. apartments are cheaper, but you have to provide your own fridge and oven. great cinema ( 27 screen multiplex in brussels all in VO.) 14 months salary, 1 month vacation, big ex-pat community, very friendly, some glocals-like groups, excellent flights and travel deals, there is a coast!! fresh sea food! great chocolate!

Negative points:

the weather- it rains every day at sometime. traffic on the ring is horrible during peak times. big intolerance for french / flemish speaking areas ( much worse than french/swiss german as compared to here) high rate of crime in the city. parking is a nightmere. they tow away your car in a blink of an eye. lots of recovery points at 200+ euros a shot. most expats work for the EU.

at first i really liked brussels ( just outside of antwerp they have a huge USA style shopping center. 2 levels, 5 hubs. ) but after a year the attraction wore off. i was actually pleased to return to switzerland!

The text you are quoting:

i lived and worked in brussels for a little over a year.

Positive points:

Negative points:

epicure, Jul 16, 2015 @ 16:11

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